5. When given a compliment, “Oh, you’re so well-read!”, we look blankly in the eyes of the complimenter, and respond “Yes, I know.”
That one’s just fun sometimes. Maybe not quite blank. Let a hint through that the blankness is part of the jest. Do make sure there is some sort of signal that you don’t take yourself seriously. Which roughly translates to conveying that you don’t claim higher social rank by virtue of being well read.
That would be a good time to mangle an Oscar Wilde quote—namely “If I am occasionally a little over-dressed, I make up for it by being always immensely over-eduacated.” If they don’t get it it’s a joke, and if they do get it it’s a double joke.
From the linked article:
That one’s just fun sometimes. Maybe not quite blank. Let a hint through that the blankness is part of the jest. Do make sure there is some sort of signal that you don’t take yourself seriously. Which roughly translates to conveying that you don’t claim higher social rank by virtue of being well read.
It can be funny if the compliment was sincere.
If the compliment was at least in part out of politeness, however, you will come off as insufferable, not witty.
If you are getting “Oh, you’re so well-read!” out of politeness you’ve already gone to far. :)
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That would be a good time to mangle an Oscar Wilde quote—namely “If I am occasionally a little over-dressed, I make up for it by being always immensely over-eduacated.” If they don’t get it it’s a joke, and if they do get it it’s a double joke.